You have probably become close and personal with your snot if you have ever sneezed without a tissue. You might have noticed that the color or texture changes from time to time. However, these changes are not just by chance; there must be an underlying reason. So, what does your snot color say?
What is Snot?
Snot, also called mucus, is a sticky, gelatinous substance that lines the insides of your lungs, throat, mouth, nose, and sinuses. Membranes make it in the nose and sinuses. Its primary purpose is to trap bacteria, viruses, and allergens such as dust or pollen in your nose, preventing them from spreading throughout your body and making you sick. The mucus and the substances it has trapped will eventually make their way to the stomach and exit the body. Antibodies and enzymes found in mucus are designed to kill or neutralize harmful bacteria in the air. Consider it a line of defense that can keep you from becoming ill.
Various Colors of Snot and Indications
You won’t even notice your mucus if everything is working correctly. It may, however, change color if you have an infection. You may produce more than usual if you smoke or are exposed to an irritant in the air. If you notice that you’re producing a lot of clear mucus, you may be suffering from allergies, and your body is trying to get rid of irritants like pollen or dust. Read on to learn what does your snot color say about your health.
Clear Snot
Clear snot is considered normal or healthy. Every day, your body produces about 1.4 liters of this discharge, though you probably swallow the majority of it. Water, proteins, antibodies, and salts make up this mucus, and it dissolves once it reaches the stomach. It’s produced by your body 24/7 to help line and protect your nose and sinuses. Allergic reactions to dogs, cats, parrots, dust, or pollen may initiate clear yet runny nasal discharge. In addition, some pregnant females may get a runny nose which is non-allergic in nature, mainly caused by hormonal changes.
White Snot
If your nose is stuffy or congested, you might notice that your snot is white. Swelling or inflammation of the nose and a slow flow of nasal mucus are possible side effects. When you’re stuffy, your snot loses its water content, and it thickens and even becomes cloudy, both signs that a cold or infection is on the way.
Yellow Snot
Yellow mucus indicates that the virus or infection you have is spreading. What’s the good news? Your body is retaliating. The yellow color comes from immunity cells rushing to kill the invading germs, such as white blood cells. After the cells have completed their task, they are discarded in your snot, turning it yellowish-brown in color.
Green Snot
If your immune system goes into overdrive to fight an infection, your snot may turn green and thicken. The color is caused by the decomposition of white blood cells and other waste products. On the other hand, green snot isn’t always a reason to rush to the doctor. Sinusitis can be a cause of green snot discharge. In fact, some sinus infections are caused by viruses rather than bacteria. There are many ways to get rid of sinus pain.
Even so, if you’ve had your cold or infection for more than a week, it’s probably time to see an ENT specialist. You could be suffering from a bacterial sinus infection or another bacterial infection that necessitates treatment. Other signs that you aren’t getting better include fever, headache, or nausea.
Pink Snot
Your snot will turn pink or red if there is blood in it. If you’ve blown your nose a lot or if you’ve been hit in the nose, blood may flow a little. Pregnant women may also experience bloody snot, and this could be due to increased blood volume, hormones, or swollen nasal passages. If you have blood in your snot due to an acute injury, such as a car accident, see a doctor to rule out more severe problems.
Brown and Black Snot
Brown nasal discharge is caused by inhalation of dust or even a spice that may impart brown color. However, a serious fungal infection could be indicated by black nasal mucus. While this type of illness is uncommon, people with weakened immune systems can get it. Smokers and drug users are more likely to have black snot. Following are some of the reasons for black mucus discharge:
- Fungal sinusitis
- Indolent sinusitis
- Fulminant sinusitis
It is advised to see a pulmonologist for a more formal and authentic diagnosis, whatever the cause may be.
The Takeaway
Although talking about snot and even looking at it can be disgusting, it is vital to keep a check on it. It can be challenging to distinguish between a viral infection such as a cold and bacterial infection. The color of your snot isn’t always the best indicator of whether or not you should see a general physician. Instead, focus on the length of your illness and the progression of your other symptoms.
FAQs
1. What color snot is bad?
Red or pink snot is bad because it means there is an underlying issue.
2. What should the color of healthy snot be?
Healthy snot must be clear.
3. Is the snot of Covid-19 clear or green?
It is usually yellow or green because these colors suggest a viral infection.
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